Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 49 - Avery

The atmosphere within a mile radius of the factory is thick, foggy and heavily polluted. I can feel the fumes attacking my cells with every breath – I might as well take up smoking.

Once I have found a suitable space for my car, I pull the rear-view mirror towards me and apply my Barbie pink lipstick. Whenever I am in my favourite blonde wig and blue contact lenses, I can't help but take advantage of wearing a colour that doesn't normally suit me.

I unbutton my blouse a little, just to let the girls breathe, and then make my way into the Industrial Revolution style building.

The building is small and dull, completely made up of concrete and steel. I'm not expecting the interior to be any better, either.

To my surprise, I am greeted by polished wooden floors, perfectly painted cream walls and a cheery smile behind the glass top.

"Hi, how can I help you, ma'am?" the frail man squeals in a Californian accent. I'm slightly taken back by his eyes ogling me, as they are double the size of mine due to his magnified glasses.

I lay my forearms on the counter and lean forward slightly, subtly displaying my cleavage. "Oh hi," I greet him. I then pause for a few seconds, studying him. Making a snap-judgement based on his chirpiness and high-pitched voice may be a little too stereotypical, I mean all Americans are like that. However, since he is dressed in the latest Ralph Lauren summer suit and a perfectly ironed, light pink shirt with just enough of his chest showing that I can tell it has been recently waxed, I think it's safe to say that he drives on the other side of the road.

I come to this conclusion due to his appearance, but also due to his lack of enthusiasm at my exposed chest. There's only ever one explanation for that.

So, I pull myself back upright and stare him straight in the eye. "Hi. My name is Susan Harris and I'm here to run a health and safety check on the premises. You should be expecting me." I try to remain polite but I lower my voice slightly, giving a sense of authority so that he will be less inclined to argue.

He frowns briefly but does not remove the grin from his cheeks. "Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't made aware of any inspections today. Let me just go and check the diary."

Gesturing to me one minute, he spins around and taps on the keypad which keeps the door behind the desk locked. I keep my head down but my eyes up and on him.

He returns a few moments later and says, "It doesn't look like we've got anything written down here."

I peer over at the diary, confused. "Oh, how strange. My secretary definitely said two o'clock on Thursday 10th. Is there perhaps anyone who can confirm the appointment?"

He drums his fingers on the counter for a while and moans in thought. I wish he would hurry up, these contacts are really starting to itch.

Finally, he replies, "If you can just bear with me one moment, I'll call my supervisor down to speak with you."

I bow my head and he begins tapping on the number pad. "Hey, Wanda, could you transfer me through to Mr Jackson, please?" There is then a long pause and some murmuring on the other line. "Okie dokie, thanks for letting me know, I'll be up there in just two ticks."

He then turns his attention back to me and with an even wider smile – if that is even possible – says, "sorry, ma'am, my supervisor is in a meeting and won't be out for another half an hour. Do you mind waiting?"

"I understand but I have two other inspections to do this afternoon and I'm already running late. Is there any way you could just run up and get him to confirm that he is expecting me and then I can be on my way?"